CartArchive for March, 2008
Monday, March 31st, 2008
The New Black & IT’S OFFICIAL
Fashion trends are constantly changing and revisiting. Remember the bell bottoms that were popular in the 70s? Well, guess what? They are the new fad again for the 21st century. Also, let’s not forget about those large framed sunglasses that both Elvis Presley wore in the 50’s compared to the ones Paris Hilton are wearing today. On the other hand, colors have always been an important fashion statement.
Black has always been a universal color that was capable to go with everything. This is why every girl owns in her wardrobe something black; whether it’s a shirt, dress, pair of stockings, or even shoes. However, the color black now has some competition…
However, the color PURPLE has its foot in the door and does not seem to be leaving anytime soon. Purple has the title “the new black.” Even celebrities have been flossing purple attire since as early as last year… I mean doesn’t color trends usually only last for about 2-3 months? Besides having a longer lifespan than other colors, here is another interesting fact: The new five dollar bill has a bright PURPLE numero 5 at the right hand corner on back of the bill. And not only is it purple, but the font is also enlarged! Is it really necessary to increase the font? I mean, isn’t President Lincoln’s portrait already considered fairly large? I could understand that the US Mint probably designed the bill to be more legible, but it is still obsurd! Anyways, I personally love purple. I think it’s exotic, mysterious, and sexy; but not on our currency.
So there you have it ladies and gentlemen. Purple is definitely the new black and to further prove this point, check out the new five dollar bill.
Saturday, March 29th, 2008
A Lumberjack’s New Arm Candy
Lumberjacks have to carry pieces of wood on thier shoulders everyday. Should we all go the way of the lumberjack and start carrying wood on our shoulders as well? Most people would say, “NO WAY! How is that a fashion statement?” but designer Timmy Woods believes that it can be fashionable. Wooden handbags are actually handbags sculpted out of wood and used a fashion statements. You might have already seen these and not even know it. They look just like normal fashion handbags with the exception to the fact that it is made of wood. These wooden bags usually end up being designed as evening bags since daily usage of a wooden bag is quite inconvenient. Wood naturally is not flexible nor does it travel so it sacrficies many elements of what makes a good handbag. But that doesn’t mean these bags can’t be beautiful. Wooden handbags are sometimes carved out of a single block of wood and they decorated with beads, gems, or jewelry. So what do people think? Will this catch on? Is this more of a novelty item or destined to be the new fashion statement? This Planet by Timmy Woods, is a great example of what a wooden handbag looks like.
Friday, March 28th, 2008
Joy To The World!
As I was browsing through Gucci’s web site, I stumbled upon one of their new collections—might I add; simply irresistible!
There was something odd about this new collection, but I couldn’t quite lay my fingers on what was causing me to feel this way. The styling was different from what Gucci has provided in the past. Back then when I saw a Gucci handbag, I would immediately sense the professionalism Gucci had to offer to its consumers. What did I mean by this? I meant that Gucci’s handbags have always had a sophisticated and high-end look to them that separated them from their competitors. Anyways, I noticed that this time around, the new collection by Gucci did not completely reflect the “sophistication look.” Perhaps I had a little too much to drink this evening, but I do remember taking my Gincoba this morning, so I must not be crazy! And to what great surprise, my senses did not lead me astray this time.
When I found out that this new collection by Gucci was called “Joy,” I was startled with surprise. “No wonder this collection struck me as different.” Gucci states that this new collection is made for the youthful and playful. Anyways, let’s talk a bit more about the bags.
The Joy Collection comes in a white “GG” monogrammed canvas print with a choice of either black or beige colored trim. I personally prefer the black trim, for I would be able to match this bag with all the spring dresses in my wardrobe. The one I like the most is the one on the left (see picture above). This Boston Bag has black and white decorative embroidered flowers on it. I think that it is such a unique and cute combination. This is an irresistible bag at a non irresistible price—$1,950.
Wednesday, March 26th, 2008
Read the Fine Print
Let’s face it, most of us who buy things online or in retail stores are bound to return a percentage of those items that we purchased. So here are some smart things to think about that will save you a lot of time and hassle in your return.
READ and ASK about the return policy BEFORE purchasing the item.
1. Is it 7 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, or 365 days to return?
o Depending on the type and size of the store you’re purchasing from it varies on how long you have to return your items before they won’t honor it. On average most places give their customers between 30-90 days for return in resellable condition.
2. Is it money back guarantee?
o Will the store give you your money back or only in the form which you purchased? Some stores will only give you store credit regardless of the form in which you purchased and others will only give you store credit after a certain amount of days. This is important to understand especially if you rarely shop at this store and you’re not 100% sure you’ll be satisfied with the item.
3. Is the item on clearance or on sale?
o While it might seem like the two means the same thing…it DOESN’T! Trust me I learned this the hard way. Items on clearance means that it’s a final sale while most of the time items that are deemed on sale still follow the same store return policies. Be sure to ask on this one because it can get tricky.
4. What about online shopping?
o Online return policies tend to be slightly different from store policies. If you shop online at a major retail stores such as Macy’s or Victoria Secret, be sure to read the online policies. Some will allow you to take it to your local store while others require you to ship it back. Also take note if you need to pay for return shipping, if they will reimburse you for the initial cost of shipping, and if you are require to have a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.
o Sometimes it benefits from online shopping and sometimes it takes a little more precaution to shop online. Some places like Shoebuy.com and Zappos.com offer free shipping and return shipping 365 days, and 110% price guarantee. While shopping online, you should look up policies such as does the company use tracking when shipping, is the package insured, and what happens if the package is lost in transit? Will you get reimbursed?
o How safe is your information? When placing your information through the internet, look to make sure that there is a padlock icon either towards the bottom of the page or at the top by the website address. Also look at the address, if it starts with “https” then you know you’re on a secure site. Other things to look for are icons that appear on the website, such as “Hacker Safe” that tell you that the site is taking precautions for your security.
5. Do I really need to Keep My Receipt?
o I always say better safe than sorry. Most places require you to keep your receipt if you plan on returning or exchanging an item. Places that issue a gift receipt will also take that, however they will only give you store credit. Some places that have more up to date technology will be able to keep a record of your purchase and use that for your return if you do not have a receipt. Most of the time this works if you purchased the item using a credit or a debit card. They will simply take that and slide it and your receipt will pop up on their records. If in doubt though…do the best you can to save your receipt!
Reading the fine print can save you a lot of headache later on. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Monday, March 24th, 2008
Beauty is Only Skin Deep
I often wondered what PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) group of people thought about animal print. What I’m talking about is, synthetics or fabrics made to “look like” a leopard, cheetah, tiger’s skin or fur. For example, I got a sneak peek at a new Rioni Collection. Rioni will soon be releasing a new collection named the Rosette Collection; it’s a metallic leopard skin print collection. Even though it isn’t really made of leopard skin, it may remind others how beautiful leopard skin is. Carrying around something like the Rosette handbag would eventually lead to someone wanting the real thing. Clearly I understand it is against PETA belief to carry any actual animal skins. But the grey area of carrying around a synthetic or fabric one is like advertising for someone to get the real one isn’t it? If anyone knows the answer to this question please let me know.
Sunday, March 23rd, 2008
Giraffe!
Today, I will be talking about this particular Dooney & Bourke Giraffe handbag. The giraffe handbags, at the moment, are hot! These handbags are considered the “it” bag of the season. What I like about the giraffe design is that it is both fun and smart.
What are these bags made of, you ask? Dooney & Bourke continued to use their signature weather treated cotton for the body and leather for the trim. I truly think the red leather gives this particular bag a sophisticated look.
What do I wear to match with this bag? Luckily, the bag consists of dark black, brown, creamy white and red; making this bag great for all seasons to come. The darker colors make it suitable for fall. The off white color makes it a nice spring bag. The giraffe print is lined with black making it a great neutral year-round bag that will match with all your outfits. The dark colors on this bag also allow you to wear almost any type of shoes to match; whether it’s your favorite sandals, heels, or pumps.
‘I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us kid again!”
Friday, March 21st, 2008
Who Would’ve Thunk
So one day, I was browsing around Target, trying to kill time. I remember a friend of mine told me about a really cool coffee mug where you could design the mug with your own custom pictures. I was on a mini-mission looking for it! So as I walked pass all the aisles in search for this awesome mug, something cute caught my eye.
My eyes were drawn to this pretty little tote bag and then I noticed something odd. I thought to myself: “well that’s kind of strange… it’s not in the same aisle as all the other purses or handbags.” As I had a more closer look, I realized that this little tote turned out to be a lunch bag! Wait..what?! ~_^ A lunch bag?! Are those supposed to be brown and uhh….paper or perhaps a brightly colored metal box with some sort of cartoon characters drawn over it? No, it was an evolutionary lunch bag that was designed to follow the trends of fashion. The neat thing was that this bag still consisted of an insulated interior. How NEAT was that? I loved it so much that I actually bought one for myself that day. Carrying a lunch bag was not a fashion statement in the past. Who would have ever believed that yesterday’s left over could turn into tomorrow’s fashion statement. This lunch tote bag is pure genius.
Thursday, March 20th, 2008
What Did You Buy This Week?
Are you a shopaholic? Do you shop all the time, but deny the fact that you cannot stop spending?
The Signs That You Might Have a Problem:
1. You use shopping to make you feel better.
2. You spend money that you don’t have.
3. You don’t really need that bag or pair of shoes, but still buy it.
4. You buy items that you never really use.
5. You’re reading this, and thinking “no, that’s not me.”
Okay, so I admit that I am not a shopaholic, however I have a problem when it comes to shoes. I just can’t help myself. I just want more shoes than I can wear. They’re just so cute!
But I have come to my senses; I have to somehow control this fetish of mines. So this is what I have come up with…maybe they will work for your spending fetishes as well, especially since the economy isn’t doing so well now.
1. Set up a budget for certain items.
I set up a $25 shoe budget for myself. If I don’t buy any shoes for the month then that amount can roll over to the next month so that I can save up for a nice pair of expensive shoes. If by accident I bought way too many shoes in one month because of a fabulous sale I couldn’t resist, then I restrict myself to not buy any shoes until the month my shoe budget is up to date.
2. Buy to be Versatile
To prevent myself from buying just any and every shoe that I think is cute, I ask myself, “Can I use it for multiple outfits? Can I dress it up or down? Where and when would I wear it to?”
If I can’t answer those questions, then it’s probably best that I don’t purchase it.
3. Is it a good deal?
I found a pair of Coach shoes for $40 brand new, authentic, never worn at ROSS-Dress for Less. Do I need another pair of shoes? No. Have I already gone over my shoe budget for the next four months? Yes. Will I be able to find another pair of Coach shoes for $40? Probably not. I bought them. =D
Sometimes a good deal is a good deal. If I know it might be hard to find something at that price every again…think black Friday- then most likely it’s would be smarter to purchase it now then later. However, if it’s not on sale or a great deal, it might be best to wait because you can always find it later when it’s within your budget.
Monday, March 17th, 2008
Hues for the Blues
Blond Hair, blue eyes, and sweeter than apple pie, Three things that will melt the heart of all the guys:
1. Aga&Ania Aquamarine Earrings – March babies will especially get a kick out of this since aquamarine just happens to be the birthstone for the month of March. So snag a pair of these great pair of earrings that uses aquamarine Swarovski crystals to highlight the blues in your eyes.
2. Guess South Beach Dome Satchel – Guess makes a nice blue satchel that makes the perfect “Arm Candy”. The shiny leather is perfect for this and next season. The metallic pastel blue shines like nothing else and will get you looks everywhere you go.
3. Nine West Harman2 – Nine West makes a great pair of shoes that even Elvis wouldn’t mind singing about. Slip on a pair of these beautiful blue stilettos to complete your blue aura.
Saturday, March 15th, 2008
Shiny is IN!!!
A few months ago, girls were going bananas for handbags that looked terribly old and raggedy. Like Dennis Rodmans’ constantly changing hair color, fashion is the same exact way. Vintage clothing and accessories which look like they were from the antiquity ages are being sent back in that direction. What’s in right now then? The opposite is in; meaning that the models on the runway are now holding shiny handbags!
Metallics – Metals have always been a beneficial technological development to our society. To our shock, metals now play an important role in our fashion industry too. Shiny metallic handbags are not really made with metal, but rather they are made with either leather or canvas (vinyl). These bags are usually made with a soft-frame structure, allowing the bag to droop and sit naturally on any surface. Both the vinyl and leather are processed with a metallic dye. Upon completion of the dying process, the handbag is then treated and prepped for assembly.
Silver and Gold – These bags are not too bad looking. To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t mind owning that Gucci handbag above. The colors are absolutely gorgeous and vibrant. These bags are also constructed using leather or vinyl and are processed with a solid gold or silver dye. Upon completion of the dying process, a clear gloss coat is applied. From there, it is sent to be prepped for assembly.
Aumbro – These bags are hot! The Aumbro has been the leading winner in our “Fashion Handbags Popularity Contest of 2008.” These purses are individually airbrushed and finished with a clear gloss coat. The fading colors from the airbrush distinguish these bags for being anything than pedestrian. I will let the picture above do the talking. True Beauty!
